Fill 42 Card 3: Retirement

[innitmarvelous_og]

Rhodey was sitting on his front porch, and watched as the sun set in the distance. Many years had gone past years since the Battle of Earth, and since Tony had died to defeat Thanos. Rhodey still missed him every day too. They had been through so much together, had saved the world together countless times, but in the end, it had been only Tony who could defeat Thanos for good.

Rhodey had retired from the Avengers and the military almost three years ago now, and made for himself a different life in a small town. He enjoyed the quietness of the place, but it's quite a change from what he'd been used to. No more suits, no more hopping jets to fly around the world. It was just him, and his memories of the past.

"Hey, James!" A voice interrupted Rhodey's thoughts.

He turned his head to see his neighbor, Henry, standing by the fence. Henry had moved in a year and a half ago, and Rhodey had quickly become friends with him. Like Rhodey, he was an old war vet too.

"Hey, Henry. How are you doin'?" Rhodey asked.

Henry shrugged, "Never better. I just wanted to see if you'd be up for a game of poker tonight? You know just something to do to pass the time."

Rhodey nodded, smiling. "Sure. I can use the distraction."

They spent the next few hours playing cards, drinking beer, and just joking around. It was nice to have someone to talk to again, someone who had some experiences that were close to his own.

"I always have a good time playing with you, James!" Henry said.

"Thanks. Same here. It's nice to have someone around, you know?"

Henry nodded, "Yeah, I do. But you don't have to worry. There are a lot in the neighborhood, heck, the town who will be here for you. Just like you were there for us when you were War Machine. Heck, we won't even hold the whole lame Iron Patriot moniker thing against you either!"

Chuckling Rhodey then sighed, "Yeah, those were the days. I miss them."

Henry nodded, "I know you do. We all miss the good old days at some point or another. I know I didn't know him other than by his larger than life reputation but I don't think Tony would want you to stay lost in the memories, just moping around. I'm pretty sure he'd want you to live your life to the fullest."

"You're right. He would," Rhodey said, with a slow nod. "And I've got to get myself out of this funk I've been in for so long now. Thanks, Henry."

"Anytime, James. Anytime."